"According to law," he asked, "what should be done with Queen Vashti, since she refused to obey the command of King Xerxes delivered by the eunuchs?" Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Esther 1:15? 2. How does Esther 1:15 illustrate the importance of seeking wise counsel in leadership? 3. What can we learn from King Xerxes' response to Queen Vashti's disobedience? 4. How does Esther 1:15 connect with Proverbs' teachings on wisdom and decision-making? 5. In what ways can we apply the lessons from Esther 1:15 in our lives? 6. How does the king's inquiry in Esther 1:15 reflect on accountability in authority? 7. Why did King Xerxes consult experts in law and justice in Esther 1:15? 8. How does Esther 1:15 reflect the cultural norms of ancient Persia? 9. What does Esther 1:15 reveal about the role of women in the Persian Empire? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 1? 11. What does 'For Such a Time as This' mean? 12. Could Queen Vashti's refusal (Esther 1:12) and subsequent banishment be supported by Persian royal court records or historical precedents? 13. How does Esther 2:15 align with other biblical traditions when it omits any mention of Jewish religious practice? 14. Esther 7:7 - Why would King Ahasuerus suddenly abandon the feast in anger without prior indications of Haman's treachery in earlier records of Persian court life? Discussion Questions 1. How does the response to Vashti's disobedience reflect the cultural and legal norms of the Persian Empire, and what can we learn about the importance of cultural context in interpreting Scripture?2. In what ways does the account of Vashti challenge or affirm your understanding of biblical submission and authority, particularly in light of Ephesians 5? 3. How can we apply the principle of balancing justice and mercy in our own lives, as seen in the unyielding nature of Persian law versus the grace offered through Christ? 4. What are some modern-day situations where you might face a choice similar to Vashti's, and how can you seek God's wisdom in making such decisions? 5. How does the unfolding of events in Esther 1 prepare the way for God's plan to be revealed, and how can this encourage you to trust in God's timing and sovereignty in your own life?1. How does King Xerxes' display of wealth and power influence your understanding of his character? 2. Why might Queen Vashti have chosen to defy the king's command? 3. How does the cultural context of the Persian empire impact the characters' decisions? 4. What might be the implications of Vashti's actions on other women in the kingdom? 5. How do you think you would have reacted if you were in Vashti's place? 6. What does the advisors' counsel reveal about the societal expectations and norms of that time? 7. In what ways might Vashti's act of defiance be seen as courageous? 8. Compare and contrast the reaction of King Xerxes and his advisors to disobedience. What does this reveal about their respective characters? 9. How can the story of Vashti's disobedience and her subsequent punishment relate to present-day situations? 10. How would you respond to a situation where you were asked to do something against your personal convictions? 11. Does the outcome for Vashti seem fair to you? Why or why not? 12. What is your interpretation of the relationship between King Xerxes and Queen Vashti? 13. Do you see any patterns in the Bible where God uses difficult situations to accomplish His purposes? 14. How might the banquets described in this chapter reflect the excesses of our society today? 15. What life lessons can be learned from Queen Vashti's character and actions? 16. Can you think of modern examples where societal or systemic expectations have been challenged, much like Vashti challenged the king? 17. What can we learn from the role of the king's advisors in the narrative? 18. In what ways can we apply the lessons from this chapter to issues of gender equality today? 19. How does the response to Vashti's disobedience reflect the views on female subordination in ancient societies? 20. How does this chapter set the stage for Esther's entry into the story? What anticipations do you have for the subsequent chapters? Links Esther 1:15 NIVEsther 1:15 NLT Esther 1:15 ESV Esther 1:15 NASB Esther 1:15 KJV Esther 1:15 Commentaries Bible Hub |



